Dear Chamber Supporters,
Last weekend, Ottawa University had its annual homecoming, with hundreds of alums coming to town for the many banquets, sporting events, and general festivities. I was surrounded by family on Friday night as we attended the Alumni Awards Banquet. The jury is still out on how it happened, but I was nominated and selected to be the Recent Alumni Award winner (pictures here). This honor is meant to recognize recent graduates who have attained a significant level of achievement and potential for accomplishment in the early years following graduation. Some criteria include being a graduate within the last ten years, meeting significant challenges in pursuing professional goals, and serving the community, church, and others. I shared with those in attendance that I feel blessed to do the work that I do, and I know I wouldn't be here if not for so many individuals who helped (and continue to help) me along the way. I'm grateful that Ottawa University chose me for this award and has allowed me to continue working so closely with their staff and students on different initiatives and programs. It was a memorable night on campus! One of the next community events that will take place on campus will be the Chamber's Annual Awards Banquet, which has been set for January 16. RSVPs will be sent in the mail in the not-so-distant future, but save the date!
The rest of Homecoming weekend went well too! Braves football got their first win of the season after struggling early this year. New this year, OU's Advancement team utilized Legacy Square for an all-alumni event called Live at Legacy Square. This included a beer garden, food trucks, and good company (pictures here). I would count this a success with 50+ alums from varying graduating years in attendance! I look forward to seeing this grow. Great work OU! Only a few more months until Winter break right??
A Cornerstone for Ottawa Business District
Tuesday night, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Halloran building remodel, home of Corner Market (pictures here). It's wild to think that this building was sitting empty five years ago, serving as an eyesore in downtown Ottawa. Like much of the beautification throughout our community, this building's current status is thanks to Loyd Builders and Josh Walker. Josh spoke about owning a coffee shop, the renovation five years ago, and some history with us on Tuesday evening. This structure was not the original building that sat at this corner but rather was a lumber yard owned by John Halloran in the late 1800s. Josh renamed the building in honor of the original entrepreneur. Another fun fact was that this building held a car dealership on the second floor at one point. Would-be car buyers wanting to take a test drive had to navigate a steep ramp to the ground floor. At the street level, you could find a gas station in the corner where the patio sits now. This was replicated in the remodel five years ago as a callback to the property's history.
Not to be cheesy, but this space has really become a cornerstone in our historic downtown. Like so many, I seem to be a regular customer, whether it's a coffee/lunch meeting or drinks after work. In the short five years since opening, this space has been through challenges that have eventually led to growth. If you remember November 2019, everyone was excited to see what 2020 had in store. Like many, Corner Market had to navigate being a four-month-old business during a global pandemic. Since then, they've solidified themselves as a mainstay in our downtown. If you follow them on social media, you'll know that they regularly partner with different organizations with their Market Mashups. These drink specials coincide with various events and the missions of other local businesses and nonprofit groups. In recent news, they have also partnered with entrepreneurs Scott and Dawnua Dawson and their new coffee roasting business, Marais Des Cygnes Coffee Co. This takes place in the corner of the restaurant―and can be smelled all down Main Street when roasting. These beans can be prepared for you by a barista or can be purchased to take home with you, all at the Corner Market. I have a strong feeling these first five years are just the start of many more to come!
Heating, Cooling, and More
I was unable to make it to this morning's Chamber Coffee, so I had our Intern Zeke and Office Manager Sherri take the wheel (or the keyboard) on this one. Check out what they have to say below.
All Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating hosted the Chamber Coffee this morning with great attendance. Owner, Jason Stoneking and his employees (Pictures here), are such friendly and reliable individuals. They do great work, which we can attest to from the hard work they have done at the chamber building this week, and was echoed at the coffee this morning. This business provides a full range of essential home/business services, making it convenient for customers to address multiple needs in one place. Whether it’s a heating issue, an AC breakdown, or plumbing repairs, customers can trust a single provider for all their home comfort and plumbing solutions.
Providing a diverse range of services fosters strong relationships with customers. This business can build trust and loyalty by being a dependable partner in maintaining their homes, leading to repeat business and referrals. In November All Seasons will be celebrating their 20th year of being in business in Franklin County
~ Zeke Reazin, Chamber Intern
As I mentioned before, I am out of the office for a bit. Makayla, my in-laws, and I headed west yesterday morning to visit my brother-in-law in Fort Collins, Colorado. We'll be here for a long weekend before scooting back to Kansas, where I'll be spending a few extra days in Hays Kansas for a Chamber conference. I look forward to sharing more next week, take care!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
